A stagy drama from 1952 starring a 26 year old Julie Harris (reprising her stage performance) playing a 12 year old girl questioning her life on the eve of her brother's nuptials. Spending the bulk of her time w/the family maid played by Ethel Waters, she deals w/the obstacles & sore spots she'll hopefully will be smoothed over as this precarious existence hurts her as much as breathing. Shot mostly in the family kitchen, hence the stage bound atmosphere that even cinema great Fred Zinnemann (From Here to Eternity/Julia) can't quite overcome, is still moving & heartfelt. Based on a story by Carson McCullers (The Heart is a Lonely Hunter) the production is ably supported by Brandon De Wilde (Shane/Hud) who plays the young charge's cousin.
Review of The Member of the Wedding
